Category Archives: Consumer affairs

An unnatural foot

Posted on 2020-07-08 by ronniec

Ronnie Cohen looks at the tenuous link between the imperial foot and human feet. Likes(3)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Myths | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Covid-19, weight and your bathroom scales

Posted on 2020-05-08 by Ramsden

Reports of a possible link between obesity and morbidity have prompted one of our occasional contributors, Martin Vlietstra, to look at issues around measuring body weight in the home. Likes(10)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Health | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

The “traditional” pint

Posted on 2020-05-01 by Ramsden

It seems it will be a while before we are able to return to the pub and enjoy our favourite tipple while socialising with our friends. In the mean time, Metric Views points to a paradox that some may wish … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, History, Law, Myths | Tagged , , , | 23 Comments

Watch “Decimalisation (1970)” on YouTube

Posted on 2020-02-15 by tonyw

Our last article, on the subject of the decimal currency changeover in 1971, attracted several comments from our readers, one of which drew to attention to a film relating to the event. For technical reasons, it is not possible to post this … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, Education, History | Tagged , | 22 Comments

Not a blunder

Posted on 2020-02-09 by Ramsden

We take a look at the changeover to decimal currency which occurred almost 50 years ago, and ask if there are any lessons to be learned that will help resolve the UK’s current measurement muddle. Likes(7)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, History | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Our common measurement language

Posted on 2019-11-15 by ronniec

One of the most important, and perhaps surprising, human achievements during the nineteen and twentieth centuries was the adoption around the world of a common language of measurement. Ronnie Cohen provides an illustration of the benefits this can bring. Likes(17)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Technical | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

Muddled measures in car brochures

Posted on 2019-11-05 by ronniec

One of the last bastions of imperial units is our road network and hence car manufacturers’ marketing campaigns. Ronnie Cohen has been looking at some their promotional material. Likes(15)Dislikes(2)

Posted in Consumer affairs, Road signs, Technical, Transport | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Metric reminders for your holiday

Posted on 2019-07-22 by ronniec

As we approach the summer holiday season, Ronnie Cohen looks at the familiar metric units that we are likely to encounter wherever we go on holiday. And, yes, that includes the USA, although its exceptionalism is likely to provide us with a few problems. … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Health, Sport, Transport, Views from abroad | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Measuring tapes – choice for some

Posted on 2019-06-04 by Ramsden

In the unlikely event of Donald Trump deciding to buy a measuring tape while he is in Britain, he will find a wide choice of a type that is popular in the US. Indeed, he may have difficulty finding any other. … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Technical | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

Hybrids, old and new

Posted on 2019-03-12 by Ramsden

We have come across two examples of hybrid measures, and speculate if these might help in those countries struggling with the transition from old to new measures. Likes(30)Dislikes(4)

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments